There is a growing effort to ensure Enderby residents are not only aware of available social services, but can access them.
The City of Enderby has brought together a number of agencies that are involved in community issues, including the RCMP, the Interior Health Authority and mental health.
“We are trying to find out who is doing what and where the gaps in service are,” said Coun. Raquel Knust.
One of the challenges is that some of the initiatives are in Vernon or Salmon Arm and that requires Enderby residents to travel.
“There are programs for mental health and addictions in Salmon Arm but our bus only runs Wednesdays,” said Knust.
Knust believes it’s important for the city to have a sense of the programs and the limitations, such as travel, so provincial ministries can be lobbied for assistance.
About 30 people took part in the initial meeting and the next step is to meet again May 28.
“Our goal for these meetings is to acquire a social asset map for our community, recognize the gaps in service, and by doing all of this, an updated survival guide for Enderby can be developed,” said Knust.
“I want to know what I can do as a city councillor to help these important providers with delivering services to our community members. A healthy community is a collaborative community.”
Kara Wilhelms is facilitating and co-chairing the meetings with Knust.
